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Soft plastic lures are key for bass anglers. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. This lets you match them to different waters and fishing styles1. The right lure can greatly improve your chances of catching bass, whether in clear or murky waters.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top soft plastic lures for bass. We’ll talk about choosing the right colors, seasonal patterns, and how to rig them. Learning how to use these lures well will help you catch more bass and improve your fishing skills.
Key Takeaways
- Soft plastic lures come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to match different water conditions and rigging techniques.
- Understanding seasonal color patterns and when to use them can be a game-changer for bass fishing success.
- Rigging soft plastics in different ways, such as Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or wacky-rigged, allows for versatile presentations.
- Jigs paired with soft plastic trailers can create a lifelike appearance and additional motion to attract bass.
- Soft plastic lures like trick worms, finesse swimbaits, and creature baits offer versatility for various fishing techniques and water conditions.
Introduction to Soft Plastic Bass Lures
The world of soft plastic bass lures is full of colors, shapes, and sizes. Knowing the importance of lure color selection and the versatility of soft plastic lures is key for anglers. This knowledge helps them catch more bass.
Importance of Lure Color and Selection
Lure color is crucial in attracting bass. The right soft plastic lure color selection can make a big difference. Water clarity, light, and the local prey base affect which colors work best3.
Versatility of Soft Plastics
Soft plastic bass lures are very versatile. They can be rigged in many ways, like Texas-rigged or drop-shot. This lets anglers adjust to different conditions and fish in various water levels. Their soft, natural action can even get finicky bass to bite3.
| Lure Feature | Importance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Density | The Deps Cover Scat lure is heavier and denser than most comparable plastics2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Cost | The 2.5-inch version of the Deps Cover Scat costs approximately $10-122. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Origin | The Deps Cover Scat was started by professional guides on Lake Biwa, with the 3.5″ size being sold since August 20182. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Popularity | The Cover Scat is the number one used soft plastic worm at Lake Biwa2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Presentation | The Scat is primarily used for creeping or dragging along the bottom with periods of long stays2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Scent | The scent of the Scat lure is described as the flavor of crustaceans2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Availability | The Deps Cover Scat has gone for exorbitant sums on eBay and has sold out from retailers upon restocking due to limited quantities2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Production | Production and shipment volume of the Deps Cover Scat is increasing monthly2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Expansion | No plans for new sizes or additional colors of the Deps Cover Scat are in place currently2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Competition | Yamamoto introduced the Yamatanuki, their version of this style, at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, which is already popular in Japan2. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Product Line | Deps introduced the Slender Scat lure in 20242. | Deps Cover Scat |
| Color Offerings | Deps substantially updated their Cover Scat color selection over the years2. | Deps Cover Scat |
By grasping the importance of lure color selection and the versatility of soft plastic lures, anglers can make better choices. This increases their chances of catching big bass
Top Soft Plastic Bass Lure Colors
The color of your soft plastic lure can greatly affect bass catching. The top colors are green pumpkin and watermelon red.
Green Pumpkin: The King of Bass Fishing Colors
Green pumpkin is the top choice for bass fishing soft plastics. It’s a natural color that bass can’t resist. It’s the best-selling color for all soft plastic shapes
Bass find green pumpkin irresistible. It’s a key lure for any angler.
Watermelon Red: A Versatile Favorite
Watermelon red is another top choice for bass lures. It’s loved for its versatility. Bass can see this color well, thanks to their excellent color vision4.
It works with worms, flipping baits, and more. Keep watermelon red in your tackle box.
Knowing the best soft plastic lure colors is key for catching bass4. Using green pumpkin and watermelon red will help you catch more bass. These colors are essential for successful bass fishing.
bass lures soft plastic best when to use season colors size hooks line
Fishing with soft plastic bass lures can be challenging. But knowing when to use them can make a big difference. Soft plastic bass lures come in many colors, sizes, and shapes. Each one is best for different conditions
In clear water, it’s key to pick a lure color that matches the light and weather. Watermelon-colored soft plastics work well in sunny days because they blend with the water7. But in cloudy or dark conditions, darker green, brown, and opaque colors are better. They make the lure more visible to bass7.
In dirty water, you want lures that stand out. On sunny days, dark purple and black-colored baits are best. On cloudy days, a mix of dark and black tones can help create a clear profile7.
Choosing the right lure size is also important. Smaller lures are better in clear water, where bass are more cautious. Larger lures work well in dirty water or cold conditions6. For hooks and line, use a lightweight but strong fluorocarbon or braid. Choose a hook size and style that fits the lure and the fish you’re after.
Understanding when to use soft plastic bass lures can greatly improve your fishing. It can help you catch more and bigger bass all year.
Clear Water Soft Plastic Lure Colors
When fishing in clear water, picking the right soft plastic lure colors is key. Tackle stores offer many colors, but choosing wisely can boost your bass fishing success
Translucent and Natural Hues for Sunny Conditions
In clear water, natural and translucent colors stand out. Green pumpkin imitates bluegill and crawfish, a favorite of bass8. White lures, looking like shad and baitfish, are also effective.
These colors are great because they blend well with the environment.
Darker Opaque Colors for Cloudy Days
For cloudy or low-light conditions, darker, opaque colors are best8. Black, blue, and purple are good choices because they stand out against the murky water4.
Bass see best in medium red to green, but these colors work well in cloudy water8.
To catch bass in clear water, choose colors that look like their natural food. Adjust your choice based on the light and weather.
Dirty Water Soft Plastic Lure Colors
Fishing in murky water? Choosing the right soft plastic lure colors is key for bass anglers. Soft plastics come in four styles: paddle tails, curl tails, flick baits, and crustacean imitations4. In murky waters, dark colors and glitter can boost your success.
Dark Shades for Increased Visibility
Dirty water has lots of sediment, making it hard for light to pass through. Dark colors like black, purple, and brown4 make your lures stand out. They create a clear silhouette against the murky background, helping bass find your bait4.
Adding Glitter for Sunny Conditions
In sunny weather, dark colors are still good, but adding glitter can help too. Glitter reflects sunlight, making your lure look more real and attracting bass. Fluorescent colors also work well in dirty water, as they pop out against the dull background.
Choosing dark colors and adding glitter can help you catch bass in murky water. This approach can significantly improve your fishing success.
| Lure Color Category | Key Colors | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Preyfish Colors | Translucents, whites, smokes with metal flakes | Open water, pelagic and cover-oriented species |
| Bold Colors | Fire tiger | Stained water or thick cover |
| Bottom-Oriented Colors | Blacks, browns, greens | Imitating chubs, sculpins, and darters |
| Crayfish Colors | Browns, greens | Imitating the second most important item in an adult bass diet |
Seasonal Soft Plastic Lure Color Selections
As the seasons change, so should your soft plastic lure colors. The right colors can greatly improve your fishing success. Try different colors like white, black, browns, greens, and bold ones to see what works best. Even small changes in color can make a big difference.
Spring and Spawn Colors
In spring and spawn, use colors that look like bass food9. Shad, minnows, and small baitfish imitations are great Choose natural colors like greens, browns, and neutrals for best results9.
Summer and Fall Color Patterns
In summer, use bolder colors like chartreuse, pink, and purple9. These bright colors work well in clear water. They grab the attention of bass, especially smallmouth9. In fall, switch back to natural colors as the water cools9.
Stay flexible and try different colors to match your local waters10. Finding the right lure color can help you catch more fish10. With some experimentation, you’ll find the perfect colors for your next fishing trip10.
Soft Plastic Lure Sizes and Shapes
Size and shape are key in soft plastic bass fishing lures. Finesse-action lures can range from 1 1/2″ to 5 1/2″ in length, and picking the right size is important. Also, ball head jigs for these lures typically weigh between 1/32 oz to 1/8 oz, which helps in a natural water presentation.
The shape of soft plastic lures matters too. Lure hook sizes should be long enough to protrude from the 1/4 front of the lure, impacting the lure’s action.11 The author has created unique shapes like “light bulb” and “whiskers” for different actions11. Trying out different shapes can lead to new ways to catch bass.
Many factors, like size, shape, color, and action, are key to catching fish with soft plastics, the author says.11 Knowing how lure action affects fishing success is important for anglers11.
Popular bass fishing hook sizes for soft plastics range from number 2 to 5/0.12 The right hook size and style greatly affect the lure’s presentation and performance12.
Hooks and Lines for Soft Plastic Lures
Fishing with soft plastic lures requires the right hook and line. The hook’s size and style, along with the line’s weight and strength, are key. These elements help your soft plastic bait perform its best. Let’s explore the important considerations for hooks and lines when fishing for bass with these lures.
Hook Size and Style Considerations
The hook size and style are crucial when using soft plastic lures. Industry data shows popular sizes for bass fishing include numbers 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/013. For Texas-rigged tubes, a 1/0 hook works well with light line, while a 4/0 hook is better with heavier line13.
Tube-style jig heads pair well with hook sizes from 3/0 to 4/0 for 2.5-3.5 inch soft plastic tubes13. Soft jerkbaits benefit from a 3/0 model hook for a slow fall. A 3/0 wide gap, short shank hook is better for a quicker dive into cover13.
Traditional Texas-rigged worms do well with Sproat and offset-shank worm hooks in sizes 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0 for baits 4 to 12 inches long13. Finesse worms are best with octopus-style hooks in 1/0 or 2/0 sizes for drop-shotting. For Texas-rigging, use light wire 1/0 or 2/0 straight shank worm hooks13. Bulky hawg-style creature baits need 4/0 or 5/0 wide gap hooks13. Plastic lizards and craw worms should be hooked with 3/0 for 6-inch baits and 4/0 hooks for 7- to 8-inch lizards and craws13.
Fishing Line Weight and Strength
The weight and strength of your fishing line are also important. A general rule is to match the hook size with the bait’s length in inches (e.g., 3″ lure – 3/0 hook, 4″ lure – 4/0 hook, 5″ lure – 5/0 hook)14. For tiny baits, use a 2″ bait with a 1/0 hook14. When baits are not a whole number in length, round down the hook size (e.g., 3.5″ lure – 3/0 hook)14.
Choosing the right hook size is key. A hook that’s too small might not catch the fish properly. On the other hand, a hook that’s too big can make the lure less effective14.
By carefully choosing the hook size and style, and the line’s weight and strength, you can improve your soft plastic lure setup. This will help you catch trophy bass.
Regional and Local Soft Plastic Color Preferences
Seasoned bass anglers know that the best soft plastic lure color changes from place-to-place What bass like to eat depends on the water, weather, and the time of year.
In clear lakes like the Ozarks, bass like natural colors like watermelon red or green pumpkin. But in the South’s murky waters, bright colors like purple, blue, and chartreuse work best. In the Northeast, where fishing is busy, soft colors like smoke and black & blue are great.
To find the best colors for your area, listen to fishing reports and talk to locals. Visit tackle shops, join online forums, and watch social media for color trends.
| Region | Preferred Soft Plastic Lure Colors |
|---|---|
| Ozarks | Watermelon red, and green pumpkin |
| South | Purple, blue, chartreuse |
| Northeast | Smoke, black & blue |
Finding the right colors takes time and trying different ones Keep experimenting and watching how bass react.
Don’t hesitate to try new colors or make your own. With patience and flexibility, you’ll catch more bass
Modifying and Customizing Soft Plastic Lure Colors
As a bass angler, you know how crucial lure color is. You can easily change your soft plastic baits’ look with dyes and markers. Modifying soft plastic lure colors and customizing soft plastic lure colors is a fun and affordable way to make your baits stand out.
Using Dyes and Markers
Applying dyes or marker pens can change your soft plastic lures’ look. Using dyes and markers on soft plastics lets you try many colors, from natural to bold Ott Defoe, for example, turned an orange lipless Arashi Vibe crankbait into a red craw pattern during the 2019 Bassmaster Classic.
Using Sharpie markers is a budget-friendly option, with marker packs costing about $618. Recommended colors include blue, green, yellow, orange, red, brown, and black.
18 Make sure the bait is dry before applying markers, as water can mess with the marker’s stickiness18. Blending colors with markers can make your lures look more natural18. Adding imperfections and leaving some original bait visible can attract fish by mimicking nature.
Adding Scents and Attractants
Adding scents and attractants to soft plastics can make your lures more appealing. Scented soft plastics can make bass more likely to bite, especially in busy fishing areas or when bites are hard to come by. Using different scents like garlic, anise, or crawfish can give your lures an edge.
With a bit of creativity and basic tools, you can turn ordinary soft plastic lures into unique baits that bass can’t ignore. If a marker stops working, try coloring over a spot on cardboard to get the ink flowing again. The article shows that even with simple marker tools, you can make ordinary baits unique without needing to be an artist.
19 Green pumpkin is a favorite among bass anglers, and watermelon is good for clear water in late winter19. Spike It Luma Pearl Spray can help tone down lure colors without being permanent.
9 Dividing lure colors into six groups can make choosing easier for anglers9. Baitfish-colored lures are popular, showing a focus on natural colors9. Micro-tuning color selection to match the best color in a group, like bold chartreuse, shows a detailed approach to lure customization.
By modifying soft plastic lure colors and customizing soft plastic lure colors, you can create personalized and effective baits. Try different techniques and color combinations to see what works best for your fishing and local bass preferences.
Tips for Experimenting with Soft Plastic Lure Colors
Soft plastic lures open up a world of color choices. Classic colors like Green Pumpkin and Watermelon are good but try new ones too. These lures work all year, in all kinds of weather. You can change how you fish to match the water and situation.
Think about the water, light, and what fish eat when picking colors21. Gary Klein says dark colors are best in murky water21. Clear water needs lighter, more natural colors.
- Adding glitter or metallic flakes can help in dirty water21.
- Highlighting parts of the lure can make it look more real21.
Be creative and have fun with colors21. Changing a bait’s color can make fish bite again21. Try different colors and patterns to find what works best for you.
Soft plastics are very versatile20. They come in sizes from 3 to over 12 inches20. Having many colors means you’re ready for anything. Use your favorites, but also try new ones to find your “magic color.”
Conclusion
Soft plastic lures for bass fishing come in many colors, which can be both fun and confusing. Knowing how to choose the right color can greatly improve your chances of catching bass Having a variety of colors in your tackle box is crucial, especially when fishing in different light conditions.
Colors like green pumpkin and watermelon red are favorites for many anglers23. Each color is designed for specific fishing situations. By choosing the right color for the conditions, you can better mimic the bass’s natural food and get them to bite. Trying out different colors and shapes can also lead to surprising catches.
There’s no single best lure for bass fishing. The most important thing is to have a variety of lures and know how to use them. Being open to trying new things will help you catch more bass and make fishing more exciting.
FAQ
What are the best soft plastic bass fishing lure colors?
Top colors include Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Red, Redbug, and Junebug. These colors are natural and translucent. They catch fish well in many conditions.
When should I use different colored soft plastic lures for bass fishing?
Choose your lure color based on water clarity and light. Use natural colors in clear, sunny water. Darker colors work better in cloudy or dirty water.
How do I choose the right size and shape of soft plastic lures for bass?
Match the lure size and shape to the baitfish in the water. Also, consider the bass’s mood and feeding patterns. Try different sizes and shapes to see what bass like best.
What type of hooks and fishing line work best with soft plastic bass lures?
Use the right size and style hooks for your lure. Straight shank, wide gap, and extra-wide gap hooks are good choices. Start with 12-20 lb test fluorocarbon or monofilament line.
Are there any tips for modifying or customizing soft plastic lure colors?
Yes, you can dye, mark, or add scents and glitters to your lures. This lets you create unique colors. These unique colors might attract more bass.
How do I know which soft plastic lure colors to use in my local fishery?
Each water body and fishery has its own favorite lure colors. The best way to find yours is to keep trying different colors on the water.
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